ISHPEMING — Plans to transport large mining equipment that will disrupt traffic have been postponed until Friday. Drivers traveling between Gladstone and the Tilden Mine area on Feb. 23 can expect delays. Large mine dump truck components will be transported to the Tilden Mine, temporarily blocking traffic.

Under a permit from the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT), contractors will move an oversize load from Escanaba to the mine in Tilden Township. The move is planned for Friday night, Feb. 23, starting at 10 p.m. and finishing by 5 a.m. to minimize traffic impacts. The move was previously planned for Thursday night, Feb. 22, but was postponed due to weather. The transport is weather dependent.

The load will travel on Delta County roads to M-35, then north on M-35 to M-553. The route continues on Marquette County Road 480 and then back onto M-35 to the mine.

Traffic delays will occur as the haul rig blocks lanes, traveling at low speeds. Michigan State Police will be escorting the oversize load and assisting with traffic control during the operation. Traffic will be stopped ahead of and behind the load. The rig will be pulled over periodically so traffic can pass, as directed by law enforcement.

MDOT encourages motorists to avoid the area during the move. If you are in the area, drive cautiously and heed all directions from law enforcement.